Highland Disabled Ramblers

04/01/2026

RAMBLE TO NESS ISLANDS, INVERNESS.
3rd NOVEMBER 2025

We all gathered at the back of the Inverness Leisure Centre car park, keen to enjoy the autumn colours by the river. A good turnout of 7 scooter users, 9 walking volunteers and 3 van driving team. The forecast was ‘overcast with rain later’. Elspeth led the group past the Archive Centre down to the riverside path. We crossed the suspension bridge on to the Islands.

Wending our way from island to island across sturdy bridges, we met dog walkers, cyclists, family groups, all happy to share the woodland paths with us. At one stop overlooking the river, we watched a stately goosander with its chestnut head mingling with the many mallard. At the same point, Helen heard and spotted a tiny goldcrest in a conifer, followed by a great view for all of a tree creeper climbing its way up a tree trunk, searching for tiny invertebrates.

We had just reached our turning point at the Cavell war memorial Gardens, decorated with poppies in preparation for the annual commemoration service on 11th November, when the skies darkened and rain showers forced us to quickly don waterproofs. They didn’t last long, allowing us to picnic at the mini amphitheatre. From here we headed to Whin Park to see the new children’s play equipment and families enjoying some fun and exercise.

It was then along paths skirting the Botanic Gardens to return to the cars and vans, Most members made their way back to the Botanics café for a welcome hot drink and scone or cake. A fitting end to a lovely autumn ramble.

Our thanks go once more to all the volunteers, without whom our rambles would not be possible. We look forward to meeting up again at our indoor events during the winter.

Elspeth

23/10/2025

RAMBLE TO FORT AUGUSTUS
Tuesday 7th October, 2025

It was a joy to set out for Fort Augustus in the relative calm following storm Amy.
When we arrived at the main village car park we discovered that we were quite a
small band due mainly to illness. This included Martin, who had been scheduled to lead the ramble.
Elspeth, who had stepped in as leader, purchased a get well card which we all signed.
Graham, the sole van driver and loader/ unloader of scooters, gave scooter riders a
preemptive reminder that the scooters were not amphibious. This was wisdom
indeed since our ramble was to be along the pathway between the Caledonian
Canal and the River Oich.
We viewed the canal locks, which since 1970 have been hydraulically operated, but
before that had been manually operated by windlass and capstan. From our path
we viewed part of the spectacular Great Glen, where forest and mountains looked
amazing, despite the evidence of storm damage in a few places.
We came upon some unusual looking mushrooms to which Elspeth was called to
give an account. She immediately identified them as Shaggy Ink Caps (Coprinus
Comatus). They are also commonly known as Lawyer's wig because of their appearance.
They are reputably an edible mushroom but must be used quickly as they deliquesce,
by which time they may be used as a very good ink.
Going along the towpath we could see a few boats on the canal sporting the title
Le Boat. As we reached our picnic spot, we saw two of these boats moored and a
cameraman was obviously filming. On making enquiries we discovered that the
filming was for a TV programme called Boating Escapes to be shown on Channel
4 in the Springtime. We were unsure if we were, in fact, unconscious extras, since
the camera being used looked quite powerful.
This ramble was indeed a relaxed and therapeutic experience and everyone was
extremely grateful to Graham, the van driver/ scooter carer, to volunteers, to
Rosemary, who runs the raffle and Sandra who helps with the tickets and money,
and of course to Elspeth who led the ramble. Our wishes for a speedy recovery to
ill members were also mooted.
Ishbel

05/09/2025

RAMBLE TO ALTYRE ESTATE
8th August 2025

Boy! Was that a windy ramble! But at least the rain didn't come to anything. We met in the car park of the Highland Campus of The Glasgow School of Art just off the Forres/Grantown Road where we had permission to use their toilets. The Buildings belonged to Altyre Estate having been built in the 1830s. They were used by the estate for many years but fell into disrepair until taken over and restored, beautifully, by The Glasgow School of Art where they now concentrate on post-graduate courses.

We set off through the estate carefully avoiding the remains of the debris from Storm Floris at the beginning of the week. We skirted the fire pond for “The Big House” and after passing the more modern farm buildings we stopped in the comparative shelter of the old Stable block. This consists of some housing and, built inside the old Stable, a squash court and the Estate Trophy Room. The stonework and carving of coats of arms were much admired.

We then headed north but owing to time constraints we did not go as far as the Standing Stone – which is difficult to see being in the middle of a field. We turned back past some more buildings originally the Gardeners' Cottages and now holiday accommodation as are many other houses on the estate. This route rejoined our outward route but we passed the car park this time and headed for Loch of Blairs where we had lunch accompanied by a variety of ducks and wasps! The loch surrounds have been cleared recently by a band of volunteers and several buildings erected next to the loch. More information can be found if you have a computer. Simply google “Friends of Blairs Loch”.

We then returned to the car park still being buffeted by a strong wind! Thanks as always are due to the committee, volunteers etc without whom these rambles would not take place. Particular thanks to the drivers of the vans and able-bodied helpers.

Peggie

15/08/2025

Ramble Report Alness River to Dalmore Distillery and Return
21st of July 2025

Well we all knew it could not last!!
The lovely sunny weather broke with a vengeance on Monday, - but all our gardens needed it.
We met in Averon Leisure Centre Carpark, Alness, at 10am, just as it stopped raining, and proceeded down the river to the River park, a lovely open space, to the weir having crossed the main road into Alness.
We then trundled down a path close to the river, lined with Rosebay Willow Herb or Fireweed and wild raspberries, and under the A9.
This brought us out onto a patch of open ground with many concrete foundations where a camp stood during WW2. One of the volunteers, Eta, who was not able to join us, told us that her parents met in that camp!
On we went, to a good view over the West side of Invergordon, and the Cruiser pier and, despite the mist, 4 oil rigs could be seen in the Cromarty Firth.
Thence up a path with many wild raspberries, we joined a road between Dalmore whisky distillery store houses. The smell was quite enticing as we breathed in the Angel’s Share!! The end of the ride was up to the road, over the A9, near Morrisons and Lidl stores, and just over the road from the Dalmore Farm Shop.
It was cloudy all the way but a darker haar was moving in with more rain, as we stopped on the way home for our lunch in the open area where it was amazing to see how nature has taken back the concrete debris, with harebells and ladies bedstraw and yellow hammers singing in the elderberry bushes.
After the raffle we trundled back, when my scooter failed, causing a hold up in not a very easy place, as I had inadvertently knocked on a switch which allows the scooter to free wheel, but stops the scooter moving if it is engaged. Once sorted by Graham, we were all on our way again, under the A9 and back along the river.
By this time, it was raining hard and we got wet getting from the Leisure Centre back to our cars, after a much needed, loo stop.
Thank you, Chris, Graham, and all the volunteer walkers and drivers.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate being outdoors, seeing wildflowers, hearing birds and seeing a place I had never seen before, whatever the weather!
Helen

15/08/2025

Ramble Report Glen Strathfarrar
Tuesday 1st July 2025.

What a glorious day!

Martin gave us an insight into the history of the Glen and to the hundreds of trees around us. We then set off with Rosemary and Peggy setting a good pace.

Glen Strathfarrar, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Glens in the Highlands.

Home to a herd of wild goats, with a hierarchy often led by a dominant female. Goats are happiest when they have the company of other goats, becoming lonely and stressed if in isolation. We kept our eyes peeled but they were very well camouflaged today.

A group of six scooters and additional volunteer walkers met at a designated meeting point within Glen Strathfarrar. The Glen is normally closed on a Tuesday to traffic, however, after consulting with Helen who operates the gated road, she very kindly offered to operate the gate to allow the Highland Ramblers entry. This was such a great concession, there being no traffic though the Glen apart from the occasional commercial vehicle.

We were so fortunate with the weather, a beautiful warm/hot day with very little wind, gave us the most incredible views of Glen Strathfarrar, breathtakingly beautiful vistas all around us and many wild flowers to be seen. Two paragliders were spotted high above, enjoying the thermals. Thermals being columns of rising warm air that form over heated ground surfaces due to solar radiation.

The winding road through the Glen is very flat and easily navigated, ideal for our scooter group. A ‘lonesome pine’ was spotted on the horizon which encouraged both Ishbel and Martin to sing to us all, a magical moment!

An ideal spot was decided upon for our lunch spot, with views of the Loch and mountains. There was even a convenient farm trailer on which to sit in comfort and enjoy everyones company. A fun day with everyone in good spirits.

Our thanks and appreciation to all who made this amazing day possible.
Jen.

06/07/2025

RAMBLE TO ABRIACHAN
11th June 2025

A journey alongside Loch Ness, then up the hill to the Abriachan forest to start to explore. Good tracks first to the bird hide to see birds over the water - a heron and two swans. Curving round the next path we watched and heard a family with children enjoying playing in the treehouse. Then along to the replica bronze age hut where we gathered together to have lunch. Then we followed the wider track up to see lovely views over the far hills and mountains. A great ramble !
Linda

03/06/2025

RAMBLE TO FAIRBURN
THURSDAY 22nd May 2025

Thursday, 22nd May, 2025, saw us head North West from Inverness toward Fairburn Estate. The weather looked more promising than the forecast suggested, and indeed continued as a perfect day for a ramble. The scenery on the journey there was outstanding even before the ramble began, and several red kites were spotted.
There was sorrow and sympathy among the group on learning about the sudden passing of Magda Maclean, a recent member, and also the sudden passing of Brian, husband of Anne McAllan, one of our current walkers. There were others too who, suffering from illness or accident, were unable to be with us and were greatly missed.
As we approached our starting point, the view of the Strathconon Valley, flanked by Ben Wyvis, was already spectacular in the clarity of this beautiful morning's atmosphere. The closer we got we could appreciate the diversity in the forms of our social existence experienced during the passage of recent years. We could see the whirling turbines on the moorland taking precedence over the hydro power stations and dams which had, since the 1950s, predominated on the Strathconon Valley, and now, entering the Fairburn Estate, the Orrin hydro power station presented a rather different architectural/ engineering artefact than those which had originally established Fairburn Estate - i.e. the stately Fairburn House and ancillary buildings - now become a care home and activity centre.
We were cordially greeted on our arrival by Stuart Lovell, our director of ground operations. He was there to give us directions, recommendations and advice to keep us, and the children involved in various sporting activities, safely accommodated. Chris was leading our ramble.
Fairburn House was built in the 1870s by the Stirling Family on an estate which boasts a highly regarded collection of trees, many of the less usual being named on white badges pinned to their trunks. We travelled the estate pathways through the spectacular forest, crossing the river Orrin on the Sawmill Bridge. Some very smart horses came to greet us, one wearing a striped face mask! We spotted several red kites and listened to a wonderful variety of birdsong as we rambled. Moths, butterflies and flowers were identified by those with inbuilt knowledge, and associated interesting facts were shared as we picnicked comfortably without any wicked attacks from the evil midge foe. There were plenty opportunities for us to view, through clearings, the Wyvis Range, looking particularly beautiful because of the atmospheric clarity.
Returning to the activity centre's café, we enjoyed a variety of decorated drinks and cakes, and agreed that Fairburn Estate had much to offer anyone who might appreciate the great outdoors.
As ever, our heartfelt thanks goes to all who make such a ramble possible - our van driver- scooter handlers, committee members, who make all advanced arrangements and all who offer and supply wonderful lifts to those who no longer drive.

03/06/2025

RAMBLE TO NETHYBRIDGE
2nd May 2025
This was just my second outing with the group, but I was warmly welcomed by all. After everyone checking all were well and able for the outing we set off about 10.30am.
Four buggy user and a good number of group volunteers attended. We were also joined throughout by two Countryside Rangers from Cairngorm National Park who guided us through the route, highlighting points of interest such as views, flora and wildlife, their insights certainly enriched our experience. Throughout the paths were very accessible for the buggies with us initially strolled along the riverside.
The weather was good throughout apart from a short spell halfway round when we had a heavy shower, prompting a quick rummage for waterproof covers. We stopped for lunch about 12.15pm at a very convenient picnic bench, before continuing our ramble through the woodland accompanied all the way with a wide variety of enthusiastic birdsong.
Our walk finished about 2 o’clock.
​Alan J

25/05/2025

Highland Disabled Ramblers (HDR)

URGENT APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEER/S

Role Description Secretary

The Secretary works closely with the Chair and Committee to collect and collate all information required. All information to then be filed adequately, to include Minutes of Meetings.

Supports HDR Chair and Committee, ensuring current legislation and guidelines for a charitable organisation are adhered to, thus ensuring that the credibility of HDR is not compromised.

The Secretary will:

Circulate Minutes of Committee Meetings, prepare agendas, organise all paperwork and correspondence, also distribute information as required. Advise Committee of Dates and Events upcoming.

UK (GDPR) (General Data Protection Regulations), ensure the
GDPR are adhered to. Keep and maintain up-to-date digital and paper records on behalf of HDR.

Communicate with the Committee, HDR Members and Volunteers regarding policy and current activities as required via email, telephone, newsletter.

Record HDR Committee actions and activities undertaken.

Co-ordinate communication with other interested organisations/groups and individuals regarding the work of HDR, via email, website and Facebook links.

N.B. If necessary the role of Secretary could be split into two Co-Secretaries, the tasks shared by mutual agreement.

Without an elected secretary we can not function as a charity and will not be ble to continue our amazing work!!

Please do not respond through Facebook.
Any interested parties please respond to “The Chair “ at the following e mail address

chair@hdrmail.org

Or through the website www.highland-disabled-ramblers.org

Highland Disabled Ramblers exists to enable people with disabilities to access the wonderful Highland countryside in a safe, organised, and friendly manner. Scottish Charity No: SC 032233

Highland Disabled Ramblers enables people with disabilities to access the wonderful Highland countryside

16/04/2025

We have been allowed to share the information below about Walking and Wheeling.

Walking and Wheeling Festival 31st May to 7th June 2025.

Once again we are delighted to support this festival which provides a varied programme of events. Everyone is invited to go along and to find out more about the opportunities for walking and wheeling in and around Inverness.

Highland Disabled Ramblers does not have a ramble planned for during the week itself but we do have a ramble on 22nd May around Fairburn and one on 11th June at Abriachan.

For more information on the Festival go to

WAWfest 29th May - 7th June 2025! 〰️ WAWfest 29th May - 7th June 2025! 〰️ Inverness Walking and Wheeling Festival The festival of celebrating walking and wheeling returns to the heart of the Highlands! Join us for a varied programme of events and find out more about the opportunities for wal...

16/04/2025

Spring into Rambling

Spring in just around the corner so welcome to our new rambles programme planned for this year.

We are going to some new areas and also returning to old favourites.

Scooter users, walking and driving volunteers are all most welcome, especially those who are interested to learn more about us but who have not joined us on one of our rambles yet. If you would like to know more or fancy coming along to see if our activities are for you, please contact us for more information through the website not through the page.
www.highland-disabled-ramblers.org

You will receive a warm welcome and we look forward to meeting you.

Highland Disabled Ramblers enables people with disabilities to access the wonderful Highland countryside

16/04/2025

WINTER MEETING 20th February 2025
Talk by Laurence Gunner on his role as Steward Canon of Windsor Castle

What a fascinating insight into the workings of an amazing building, or rather, a great number of buildings so steeped in history. It has lasted almost a millennium and is the largest lived-in castle in the world. Laurence Gunner has had a very interesting and varied life but his time at Windsor was so involved with things long past but also things really up-to-date – for instance the fact that the choir in St George’s Chapel now has women in it! I wonder what Henry VIII would have made of that. The responsibility of Laurence’s job was immense since it covered such a variety of areas.

The aerial shots of the castle, chapel and all the other buildings especially the one showing its position in Windsor Great Park really gave us a bird’s eye view of the extent and splendour of the place. The slides of the inside were breathtaking and the craftsmanship of those involved in its construction and renovation after the fire in 1992 was evident. However Laurence also threw in the occasional aside as to how uncomfortable some of the accommodation actually was for those living there. Reality exists while we marvel!

The stories which made us laugh will remain with us. One I particularly enjoyed was the one which recounted the foundation of The Order of the Garter. I wonder just how true the story is! The other two, while amusing, had their gruesome side – that of the exploding coffin and the missing thumb.

All the Pomp and Ceremony shown in some of the photos may delight some and enrage others but they are part of Britain’s rich heritage.

We are very grateful to Laurence for such a masterly account of his life there. Peggie